Glasgow author to donate profits of first book to Beatson Cancer Charity

A Glasgow author is donating all of the profits from her debut book to the Beatson Cancer Charity after surviving breast cancer.

53-year old Gillian Shirreffs, originally from Haughhead in East Dunbartonshire but now lives in the west end of Glasgow, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2021 after discovering a lump.

Following her diagnosis, Gillian received support from several of Beatson Cancer Charity’s services while being treated, leading to her decision to donate profits from the book, titled ‘Brodie’, to the charity.

‘Brodie’, which will be available to purchase from September, is the story of six women whose lives intertwine over 30 years, told by Brodie, the beloved object that connects them all.

'A way of giving back'

Gillian decided to donate all profits of the book to Beatson Cancer Charity as a way of giving back following the support she received during her treatment.

Gillian said: “At the beginning of treatment, I couldn’t see beyond treatment. I couldn’t see that there was a life beyond.

“I think it’s lovely that there is, and I want to be able to give back because I got so much support.

“Not just with the Telephone Befriending service, but when I needed a wig, I went to the service in the Wellbeing Centre within The Beatson.

"It was a lovely experience, even though it was so stressful and unpleasant to lose your hair, because I was treated with such kindness and care.

“I want to be able to give back and I can’t see myself running a marathon anytime soon, but I do have a book that’s being published in September.

“Whatever I would get from it, I wanted to give back as a means to say thank you because I appreciate so much what people have done for me.”

Gillian added that she was lucky to be surrounded by supportive friends and family, including her publisher, Steven Cameron.

'So grateful'

Charlene Low from the Beatson Cancer Charity said: “We are so grateful Gillian has decided to donate all profits from her debut book to our charity.

“Gillian has been known to many of us at the charity since beginning her treatment as she got involved with our patient services and regularly posted personal updates on social media.

“It’s been lovely for us and other patients to follow Gillian’s journey from the beginning and see how well she’s getting on now. The money from book sales will go towards allowing us to support more patients like Gillian across the west of Scotland.”

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